ST. JOHN'S AMBULANCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 18, 27 October 1942, Page 5

ST. JOHN'S AMBULANCE

ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER'S VISIT ANNUAL INSPECTION OF DIVLSBONS From the 16th to the 22nd of October a visit was paid to Whakatane by the District Officers of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade, Mr H. D. Cobb, Assistant Commissioner and Mrs H. Cobb, District Officer for the Nursing Division,, and were the guests of Mr and Mrs A. Carling of Haigh Street. The annual inspection took place at the District High School on Saturday night where the visitors were met by the Deputy-Mayor, Mr S. S. Shapley, who opened the proceedings by extending a cordial welcome to the inspecting officers. He stated how proud the local members were at serving under such excellent leadership. They were grateful to have the invaluable services: of such experienced officials of the order and he felt sure that under such guidance the efficiency would always be maintained. Mr Shapley paid tribute to all the members of the Division and Cadets and spoke of the excellent work tliej were doing. Work of Brigade Mr A. J. Canning, President of St. John's Association, then gave an outline of, the work done by the committee 1 and the duties and work done by the Brigade. He also ferrcd to the excellent work of the assistant secretary, Mir H. Carr, who was; unable to attend owing to illness. Mr Cobb then made the inspection of the three units and was introduced to its members by S. G. Bishop, Miss Tait and Mr H. Drubc, officers in charge of their respective sections, Jubilee Year An address; was then given by Mr Cobb who said that this was the Jubilee year for the Brigade Overseas, it having lirst been registered in Dunedin 50 years ago. Col. Barclay the Commissioner for New Zealand was an original member and had done continuous service. He also outlined the history of the Association and gave some imposing figures of its advancement. Mr Cobb stated how pleased lie l was to see such a good muster present, congratulated members on the splendid work they had done and trusted they would contiuue with their efforts. He held a technical inspection in the morning of returns and records; and the manner in which they are 'kept reflected, great credit on the officers in charge.

Nursing Divisioni Dr. F. J. Appleby the Div. Medical Officer, was also present ' and discussed Brigade matters with Miami Mrs Cobb. He then took the Nursing Division examination. During tlie visit Mir and Mrs Cobb attended, a meeting of the J-oint Council of the Red Cross and St. John's Ambulance Association which Avas convened and presided over by Mrs W. Sullivan, where several matters were discussed concerning the activities of the' St. John's Ambu-' lance Nursing Division and the Red Cross Detachment. District Centres Visited The following districts Avere visited by Mr and Mrs Cobb: Waimana Avhere the new Nursing D-ivLsion Ayas inspected. Edgecumbe, Manawahc and To Teko Avhere neAV Nursing DiAisions are in the process of being formed. In each of these districts an address ay as given on the procedure of forming up and the method of conducting the new divisions their duties and responsibilities. Mr Cobb took the opportunity of inspecting the First Aid Posits and the Medical Supplies in the district's visited and expressed the opinion that it was the best equipped medical scheme that he knew of in the North Island and expressed his

appreciation of the number who had been trained in First Aid work and had obtained their First Aid Certificates. The Commissioner also had interviews Avith the Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, Mir L. Buddie, Chairman of the Hospital Board, Mr C. G. Lucas, the W.C. C.E.P.S. Deputy Controller and Mr H. Carr, the St. John's Association Assistant Secretary Avith Avhom he discussed matters of mutual interest. With all he had seen in this district he expressed his sincere appreciation for the Avork Avhich had been done in the interests of the St. John movement.